Goliath Guru: : Epinephelus itajara
Email: iliv4fish@aol.com

**According to TripAdvisor.com, CAPT. TIM SIMOS IS THE #1 RANKED FISHING CHARTER CAPTAIN out of Fort Pierce, FL for boats under 30 feet long.**

The Florida State Fish and Wildlife Commission implemented a permit program for harvesting goliath grouper in the spring of 2023. Since then, Captain Tim Simos has successfully filled ALL of the permit tags that have been brought aboard his boat.

In the Fort Pierce, FL area, there is an abundance of smaller goliaths within the inlet because of the type of habitat provided by the Intra-Coastal Waterway.

RATES: Standard Goliath Grouper charter for one or two persons for 5 hours is $950. A Goliath charter with one or two permits is $1,250. Extra person for goliath trips add $200.

For standard charter fishing trips please visit Capt. Tim’s other websites:

www.hookasnook.com
and
www.timsimos.com

The waters around Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Port Saint Lucie are Captain Tim's home waters. He offers customized Goliath Grouper fishing charters all year long and finds that they are more active when the water temperature is above 70 degrees.  The boat record for GOLIATH GROUPER is 84 inches long.  A Goliath that large is around 500 lbs..

Does catching a fish that is longer and heavier than yourself interest you? Then please read on.
If you prefer to get your GOLIATH on spinning gear, that can be arranged as well.

Testimonials
2021
Jim, a regular client of Capt. Tim's from Arkansas, recently brought 9 friends of his down to do some fishing in Fort Pierce, FL. There were about 9 anglers using 5 guides for 7 days. Below are some of their comments.

Our trip has been a big success. My friends had a great time and you contributed to that significantly. 

Here are some direct quotes regarding you:
"Tim works very hard to make the day a success." "Tim really knows what he is doing and has the right equipment and a comfortable boat." "As soon as you arrive at a fishing location, Tim is putting poles in everyone's hands. No time is wasted and no one is left as an observer."

"Tim comes to each trip with a game plan and with bait in the well." "Tim was the only guide we worked with who gave us a boat and safety briefing and told us where the life preservers were kept." "Tim is genuinely a good guy and fun to be with.” 

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We had a blast. I couldn't have asked for a better goliath trip.
-- Kimberly and Jeremy April 2019


Encore merci à toi Tim !!! Tu as été incroyable ! Une journée parfaite Merci pour ton professionnalisme. A très bientôt
Translated: Thanks again to you Tim !!! You have been amazing! A perfect day. Thank you for your professionalism. See you soon!
-- Jimmy Maistrello, a fishing guide from France.
You may view more Capt. Tim Simos testimonials here:

http://www.fishverobeachfortpierceflorida.com/testimonials.php

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GUARANTEED GOLIATH GROUPER – When you catch one over 50lbs., $50/per Goliath. $100/goliath over 100 lbs.

If you choose to target only goliath grouper for your 4 OR 5 hour trip, the cost will be $950 for an unlimited number of Goliaths, for two persons. Goliath Deposit required: $300. Guaranteed to hook a goliath.

Angler skill determines if it is landed. Note: $300 extra for a third person on a goliath trip. For 1 or 2 goliath permits, add 300 TO $950. Make your $100 or $300 deposit with PayPal or any major credit card (below).

Making your deposits as soon as possible saves your fishing date.  In the “message” section, you can indicate which date you prefer.  Capt. Tim will confirm after he is notified that your deposit was processed.

SAFETY NOTICE: PLEASE WEAR SNEAKERS OR CROCS IF YOU INTEND TO DO BATTLE WITH A GOLIATH GROUPER. NO SANDALS PLEASE.

Wherever you fish, if you ever get the chance to fish for the Goliath Grouper, please only use circle hooks and not J-hooks. Using circle hooks will virtually guarantee that the fish is hooked in the perimeter of the mouth and will not be gut hooked. Also, in order to give the Goliath the best chance of survival, never bring him out of the water and into a boat.

In 2023 the Florida FWC opened Goliath Grouper for harvest under a special permit lottery system. More information can be found here.

https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/goliath-grouper-harvest-permit/

In 2023 Captain Tim Simos successfully guided the only angler in St. Lucie County to fill his Goliath tag. In 2024, he guided 5 anglers to fill their permit tags. That makes 6 out of 6 successful attempts. The average size of filled Goliath tag is 30 inches and getting larger. Captain Tim suggests having your friends apply for a permit. Then bring up to 6 permits aboard to be filled. Permit holder must be present and catch the fish to be legal.



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Email: iliv4fish@aol.com
PHONE: 772-475-0333

PLEASE DO NOT USE SPRAY ON SUNSCREEN ON THE BOAT, IT CAN STAIN THE BOAT & IS DIFFICULT TO GET OFF, THANKS!